Final preparations are under way to welcome thousands of visitors to a country estate in a small Suffolk village tomorrow for an annual showcase of rural sports, pastimes and entertainment.
The East Anglian Game and Country Fair will take place on Saturday and Sunday at its new venue of the Euston Estate, off the A11 at Thetford, home of The Duke and Duchess of Grafton.
After 13 years at the Norfolk Showground, organisers said the move to Euston on the Norfolk/Suffolk border offered a more central location for the event, improving the access to visitors from across the region and creating space for new attractions.
Event organiser Andy Grand said: “We sold out the trade stands faster than we have ever done before and visitors are really excited about the improved new venue – it is much more of a true game and country fair with this new setting.
“We have so many things going on from forestry to gundog events, and there is lots to do for dog and pet owners.”
Mr Grand said the fair would “make the most of the beautiful setting” at its new venue.
“There is a lot more space around us now and we have got fantastic views of the hall and the beautiful temple on the grounds here.
“If you are looking for a fantastic day out for your family which is great value for money, you won’t find a better thing to do this weekend,” he said.
New attractions for 2017 include exhilarating displays of horsemanship from the Mounted Games Association of Great Britain.
Also in the Main Arena will be the fast and skilful British Scurry and Trials Driving Championships, and the equine theme continues with horseboarding races and the return of “horse whisperer” Gary Witheford.
Working dogs and birds of prey will be on show from the Mid-Norfolk Gundog Club and Ye Olde Redtail Falconry Display.
There will be more than 350 shopping stands and the Game Fair Country Kitchen has a line-up of cookery workshops and demonstrations with local chefs including Chris Coubrough, Arthur Howell, James Conway, Andy Snowling, Justin Kett and Rachel Green.
Visitors can have a go at country activities including clay shooting, fly fishing and archery, while dog owners can enter their pets in the dog agility competitions or the Pet Dog Show.
Tickets will be available on the gate.
Children under five are admitted free, and car parking is free for all.
For more details, visit their website.
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